The Lexington Environmental Quality and Public Works Committee convened on August 12, 2025, to discuss the introduction of a street art initiative aimed at enhancing community engagement and improving traffic safety. Principal Planner Hannah Kreps presented the concept, emphasizing the dual purposes of street art: traffic calming and placemaking.

Council Member Sheehan opened the meeting by highlighting the importance of street art as part of a broader Complete Streets policy, which aims to create safer and more inclusive transportation networks. Kreps explained that street art, also known as asphalt art or street murals, can transform public spaces and foster vibrant communities. She noted that successful implementations in other cities have shown significant safety improvements, including reductions in crash rates for vulnerable road users.

The committee discussed a pilot project that will involve collaboration between the planning division and local artists, with a focus on community input. Kreps outlined the steps for the initiative, which include securing funding, engaging with the community, and adhering to traffic engineering standards. The estimated cost for initial projects is around $20,000, with plans to gather both qualitative and quantitative data to assess the impact of the installations.

Council members expressed enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in the selection of artists and designs. The initiative aims to create a collaborative process that reflects the desires and cultural narratives of local residents. As the program develops, it is expected to expand across various districts in Lexington, promoting public art as a means to enhance safety and community identity.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue exploring the potential of street art in Lexington, with further discussions planned to refine the initiative and address logistical challenges. The committee's focus on community-driven solutions underscores a growing recognition of the role of public art in urban planning and community development.